MUSIC MONDAY Bob Dylan Press Conference in 1965 and his interaction later with Keith Green Part 2

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Bob Dylan Press Conference 1965 Part 2

This is a tribute to Keith Green who died 32 years ago today!!! On July 28, 1983 I was sitting by the radio when CBS radio news came on and gave the shocking news that Keith Green had been killed by an airplane crash in Texas with two of his children. 7 months later I attended a concert in Little Rock in February where Keith’s wife Melody who was 8 1/2 months pregnant introduced a video of Keith’s last concert. I am still jealous of my friends Jon Frazier and David Rogers who got to see Keith live in concert. I wish I had the opportunity to do so.

I was amazed at the lasting impact of Keith’s music. My son Hunter drove his good friend Sean Michel to Memphis to try out for American Idol several years ago and Sean talked about how much Keith Green’s music impacted him and here is the video below of Sean performing a Christian song at American Idol:

Sean Michel American Idol Performance

Also I still hear Keith Green’s music performed at Fellowship Bible Church in Little Rock where we are members and from time to time his songs are mentioned from the pulpit at our church. What other Christian music performer from 30 years ago can say that? Here is a tribute I put together for him and it falls on the day that Keith went to be with Christ 32 years ago.

And if you want to know more about this man and why he followed Jesus look at my profile for the video about his life.

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You are called to goKeith’s concerts were evangelistic and exhortational. He was the Lecrae of the 70’s. Here is what he has to say about the great commission:

“The world isn’t being won today because we’re not doing it. It’s our fault. This generation of Christians is responsible for this generation of souls on the earth. And no where in the world is the gospel so plentiful as here in the United States. No where. And I don’t want to see us stand before God on that day ans say, ‘but God I didn’t hear you call me.’ Here is something for all you to chew on, you don’t need to hear a call, you’re already called. In fact, if you stay home from going into all nations you had better be able to say to God, ‘You called me to stay home God, I know that as a fact.'”

Keith Green – Asleep In The Light (live)

Uploaded on May 26, 2008

Keith Green performing “Asleep In The Light” live at Jesus West Coast ’82

Spiritual Conversion

Keith had a Jewish and Christian Science background, but grew up reading the New Testament. He called it “an odd combination” that left him open minded but deeply unsatisfied. His journey led him to drugs, South Asian mysticism, and “free love.” After experiencing what Green described as a “bad trip,” he abandoned drug use and became bitter towards philosophy and theology in general. Green would later state, however, that in the midst of his skepticism, he felt that God “broke through calloused heart,” and he became a born-again Christian. Soon afterward, Keith’s wife Melody (whom he had married on Christmas Day 1973) also became a born-again Christian. It was during this time that the newlyweds became involved with the Vineyard Christian Fellowship in Southern California.

Ministry

In 1975, the Greens began an outreach program in the suburbs of Los Angeles, California, in the San Fernando Valley. Purchasing the home next door to their own and renting an additional five in the same neighborhood, Keith and Melody provided a environment of Christian teaching for a group of young adults, the majority of whom were of college age. Much to the consternation of neighbors, those living in the Green’s homes included former drug addicts, the homeless and even some prostitutes who had been referred to the Greens by other ministries and shelters. In 1977, the Greens outreach was officially named Last Days Ministries.

Keith Green’s initial tone of ministry was largely influenced by Leonard Ravenhill, who pointed Keith to Charles Finney, a nineteenth century revivalist preacher who preached the law of God to provoke conviction in his hearers. During his concerts he would often exhort his listeners to repent and commit themselves more wholly to following Christ. Green later softened his approach, and this transition is evident in his music beginning with So You Wanna Go Back To Egypt in 1980.
Recording

Green was signed to Contemporary Christian music label Sparrow Records in 1976 and worked on the album Firewind (1976) with Christian artists 2nd Chapter of Acts, Terry Talbot, John Michael Talbot, and Barry McGuire. His first solo project, For Him Who Has Ears to Hear, was released in 1977 and his second solo release, No Compromise, followed in 1978.

In 1979, after negotiating a release from his contract with Sparrow, Green initiated a new policy of refusing to charge money for concerts or albums. Keith and Melody mortgaged their home to privately finance Green’s next album, So You Wanna Go Back To Egypt. The album, which featured a guest appearance by Bob Dylan, was offered through mail-order and at concerts for a price determined by the purchaser. As of May 1982, Green had shipped out more than 200,000 units of his album ? 61,000 for free. Subsequent albums included The Keith Green Collection (1981) and Songs For The Shepherd (1982).

When his music was carried by Christian bookstores, a second cassette was included free of charge for every cassette purchased to give away to a friend to help spread the Gospel.

We want to give everyone an opportunity to share their memories of how Jesus used Keith to impact their life. And gather all the stories in one place for everyone to enjoy.

Keith sure impacted my life. After Jesus, he was my biggest influence. Keith modeled giving everything to Jesus, not wanting celebrity, caring for the poor, taking people off the streets, and reaching into prisons. We did that from the start together.

I would love to know what your story is. How did Keith impact your life? Were you at a concert? Was it through the music? Are you in ministry? On the mission field?

How did Keith impact you, and what are you doing now that you think you might not be doing — if not for his influence?

Please share your story in the comment section below.

I’ll start!

Here are a Few Great Photos I Love…

What’s YOUR story?
How did Jesus use Keith to Impact Your Life?

After telling your story scroll back to bottom — to click “share” — so your friends can comment on this Page too!We are celebrating Keith’s Life, Music, and Message with two Collections. Both include a CD, a DVD, and a Book:
The LEGACY PACKAGE and The LIFE COLLECTION — On sale now in the LDM Store

I was a young woman searching for God’s will in my life like where to serve Him? Was I called to go? That one Fri. night Keith Green Concert in the 60’s convinced me by the words He sang that we cannot avoid that call on our lives to seek the hungry and the lost. That the workers are few and time is getting short. It was a move like I never saw just sweeping the crowds to truly stand for the Lord and follow where He leads us. In 1989 I married my dear husband Stanley Yejerla and went to Papua New Guinea on a wing and a prayer. Then I had my oldest son there and 1 year 3 months later after our term finished we saw the Lord open the doors wide open to minister to the international students and those we came in contact with for 2 years. When we brought our 2 boys home we served where and when we could always keeping our Lord and others first. Most of all we know the Lord is good. Its been a while since I listened over and over again to His songs compelling us to go. But the message is still clear. Now my daughters are training to teach children for the Lord and I am so grateful.

Robyn lingard (Guest)

05/10/2014 06:16

I first heard Keith green’s music about 1year before I committed my life to god. My brother had just become a Christian at uni and he was introduced to Keith’s music. When he came home on the occasional weekend, he would play this music and try to get me to listen but all I wanted to do was run away from this creepy Christian music. When I did become part of god’s family, I listened and listened to Keith’s music. This was in the early ”80s and every Christian I met was into this music. I listened and listened to Keith’s music for many years. On my wedding day “love with me” was one song our soloist sang. Now my children are teenagers and my husband and I have our family to enjoy this beautiful music. It is especially great on a cold dark Monday morning to help wake us up and have a thankful god-worshipful mindset I have been so blessed by Keith’ music. Thank you.

Steve Roberts (Guest)

05/28/2014 19:58

I read the article “Why You Should Go To The Mission Field”. That was over 25 years ago. Been there ever since. 😉

D.M. (Guest)

05/30/2014 20:39

Keith was introduced to us from acquaintances we met at bible meetings in the 1970’s….Somehow we (my siblings -7 all of us) got ahold of a record and began listening to him….along with Randy Stonehill and many others….Keith was/is an amazing intrument of God, still today, as some of us have not stayed on the path of God’s will all the time…Keith comes up on Holidays…”do you remember the ……….album of Keith?”…..”I can make you a copy?”…..”Hey, I heard they are making a movie of Keith Green!” “They ARE????”…..The Holy Spirit is STILL touching people’s hearts in my family…every time Keith’s name is mentioned…I feel like we would all agree…Keith’s message was of “NO COMPROMISE”…..so it can be hard to hear for some of us through the years…but make no mistake, the HOLY SPIRIT gets through….as we go on our on ways….The Holy Spirit’s nudging continues, praise JESUS. My little boy who is terminally ill with down syndrome, autisma and much more…met Jesus by the Holy Spirit a few years ago….he is basically mute but says “jesus”…tonight I re-introduced him on the screen to Keith Green although he has been listening to him for years….He saw “heaven is for real”…..2x and we are ready for Keith’s movie….I told him it was coming and we are praying for all those involved in the making that the HOLY SPIRIT leads….

Walter Woodliff-Robinson Texas (Guest)

06/11/2014 12:12

Hello Melody and co-laborers in The Lamb who takes away the sins of the world,May the peace and grace of Yahushua ha Mashiach be upon you and deliverance from this present world.I wanted to share the great joy and help all at Last Days Ministry had and have on me today. I wish to convey to those were were part and those participating today what a joy and love I have for you all.I recently looked you up and had not been really aware of the continuing ministry Abba has shared in you. It has encouraged me and recent ministry moments Abba shared through “You Tube” of Keith hit me again. I have had many struggles and this world is relentless in its desire to be rid of all who seek Him. Yet, He delivers them that trust in Him and seek His Ways. Psalm 1, Matthew 28, “He IS Risen, Risen Indeed”!

Today, I see things that I would not have believed but by His Word and hearing the testimony of Moshe in his Song about these days. So, please remember all in the world; His people, as they reach out to Him who has overcome this world.

I realize that the work of Yahushua is one He works in you to reach the lambs lost in a wilderness of woe and deception as in Sinai many years ago. I will continue to pray for your ministry in our little 7th Day Baptist church in Pinole. Psalm 119: 103

Looking forward to hearing what The Spirit is doing in your travels with Yahushua.

Hey Melody, not sure you will remember me. We traveled with you & Keith & the Last Days Crew with our sound system on Keith’s last tour of weekends & then the many dates across the USA & Canada American’s Against Abortion ralleys. I’m living in Oklahoma now & leading worship some, playing piano & singing. One of my husband’s favorite songs that I do is, “When I Hear The Praises Start.” I will never forget the fresh fire and freedom that you guys had. I didn’t know the LORD very well when I was traveling with you. We lived in East TX for awhile after relocating from Nashville, TN. My oldest 2 children went home to be with the LORD, one in 1993, while I was in East TX & the other in 2004. They were both perfectly healthy at birth & so I know, there are no guarantees, except this, children are a huge blessing from the LORD & He never makes a mistake. The LORD is patient & ready to refine us if we will let Him. My life will always be blessed for knowing you guys & the prophetic voice that Last Days carried. I’m very thankful to see you restored, as I know you went through terrible loss & difficulties, which at the time, was impossible for all of us standing by to understand. So thankful for you. Dixie (Little) Ross
Serving Jesus Christ our Saviour, our Sovereign & King together with you.

Joanna Bates

07/01/2014 13:48

I was born in August 1982, and grew up listening to Keith Green in my home – my mom loved his music. My mom recently and suddenly passed, and it is Keith Green’s music that brings me comfort by bringing me good memories of my sweet mother, and by drawing me nearer to God.

teresa durham (Guest)

07/07/2014 04:41

My brother gave me a tract when I was 17 on abortion I believe from last days ministries. After I read it I told myself I wouldnt ever get an abortion. A couple monthes later I found out I was pregnant. I told my boyfriend and the first thing he said was to get an abortion. I said no and I now have a wonderful son who is 32 years old. thank-you for your ministry!

Leslie Meadows (Guest)

07/14/2014 22:44

Keith Green and the Last Days Ministries left such a great impression on me. I still listen to Keith Green’s music and is as if time has never moved! The music he made is still relevant and powerful and moves me to worship Christ in Spirit and in Truth. I feel a special comfort and first love that warms my spirit. I thank God for Keith and Melody Green. I just couldn’t believe it when Keith and his children died that day in the tragic plane crash. But the seed that fell in to the ground and died has bore SO MUCH FRUIT! I just thank God for you Melody and for Keith and pray God’s continued blessing and will for you and your family!

Peter DePaoli

07/23/2014 01:46

We were supposed to be counselors at the Keith Green concert in Portland Oregon in August of 1982…what a shock to hear about the plan crash in July!….we still attended what was the first Memorial concert led by Melody…all these years later, whenever I backslide, get lukewarm…I spend time with the Lord, and listen to Keith’s music…I just ordered the full set of the ministry years, and marvel that some of the songs I had not heard for years, still drive me to tears as I listen in the car….I believe this generation needs to hear these songs and get “bananas for Jesus” as Keith always said…blessings, Rev. Peter DePaoli www.reclaimingvictory.org

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